Embakasi
North MP James Gakuya has praised the government’s affordable housing project
in Mukuru, Nairobi, saying it will transform the lives of thousands of families
living in informal settlements.
Speaking in
South B, Gakuya urged the government to prioritise Mukuru and Mariguini
residents as homeowners.
He further suggested that any remaining units
be handed over to the Nairobi County Government for rental to those unable to
buy.
“The houses
should first go to residents. The remaining units should be managed by the
county government so that those unable to purchase can still access decent housing
through rental,” he said.
The remarks
came as over 1,000 Kenyans received keys to new homes under Phase One of the
project, a milestone hailed as a major step toward tackling urban housing
challenges.
Affordable
Housing acting CEO Sheila Waweru revealed that Phase Two is already complete,
and President William Ruto is expected to hand over the next batch of units
next month.
“These
houses belong to you. We are also opening another window for applications
because the Boma Yangu project is for all Kenyans, though you were given first
priority,” she said.
“Since
reopening registration two weeks ago, all 4,536 houses have already been taken
up,” she added.
Area MCA
Waithera Chege urged residents to disregard politicians opposed to the project,
saying it guarantees dignity and security for low-income families.
“Ignore
cheap politics. This is about decent housing, especially for those at the
bottom of the wealth pyramid,” she said.
The Mukuru
project is part of President Ruto’s flagship Affordable Housing Programme. In
May, he commissioned Lot 1–Phase 1, which included 5,616 bedsitters.
Construction
is ongoing for Lot 2 and Lot 3, which will deliver 3,024 one-bedroom and 4,608
two-bedroom units.
At the
earlier commissioning, President Ruto described the initiative as historic:
“We have
handed over keys to 1,080 life-changing social housing units. These are not
just keys to houses; they are keys to homes. In these homes, we are providing
better sanitation, security, and livelihoods to ordinary Kenyans who never had
such a chance.”
